Faye Kellerman - Jupiter’s Bones

Oliver scratched his nose. “Sir, what do you mean by more ?”

Nova stuttered. “Well, if the death was something other than a heart attack.”

“The empty liquor bottle didn’t make you a bit curious?”

Again, Nova faltered. “Alcohol can bring on a heart attack, especially in an older man.”

“Did Father Jupiter drink?”

“An occasional sacramental glass of wine.”

“But not usually an entire bottle of vodka.”

“Of course not … at least, not that I’m aware of.”

“Meaning he might have, but you didn’t know about it?”

The podiatrist grew flustered. “I’ve never known Father Jupiter to be immoderate. Besides, you have no way of knowing how much alcohol he imbibed. That bottle could have been drunk over a year’s time.”

“The pathology report will tell us his blood alcohol level,” Oliver said.

“Then I suggest you save your questions until then.”

Oliver said, “We like to ask our questions right away. Memories are fresher.”

“There’s nothing to tell. I signed a certificate because he was dead.”

Oliver stared at him. “How’d you get hold of an official death certificate? They are the property of the coroner’s office. Why would you even have them here?”

“I have no idea why we have them. But we do.”

Oliver noticed Nova was looking over his shoulder, not making eye contact.

The podiatrist said, “Perhaps I shouldn’t have put down natural causes. But if it’s something more, I simply made an honest mistake.”

Marge returned. “An honest mistake as opposed to a dishonest mistake?”

Nova said nothing, a sour expression stamped on his face.

Marge said, “By the way, you signed the time of death as five thirty-two A.M. You said you were called in around five. What were you doing for a half hour?”

Nova’s face held a triumphant look. “A good examination takes time , Detective.” He looked at Oliver. “Anything else? I really do have other obligations.”

Marge tossed out, “Any idea who called Europa about Jupiter’s death?”

“The detective and I have already crossed that territory.”

“Please answer the question.”

“No, I don’t know who called Europa.”

But Marge noticed that Brother Nova had blushed.

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